At the October 28 meeting of the Houston County Commission, the board recognized retiring Public Health and Human Services Director John Pugleasa with a round of applause and thanked him for his nine years of service to the residents of Houston County.
Chairman Eric Johnson called the meeting to order at 9 a.m. He led his fellow commissioners and the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance. Commissioners present included Cindy Wright, Kurt Zehnder, Robert (Bob) Schuldt, Greg Myhre, and Chairman Johnson.
Commissioner Schuldt moved to approve the agenda, seconded by Commissioner Zehnder. Action item number two – Resolution No. 25-38, Final Acceptance for SAP 028-610-021, Contract #5160 with Minnowa Construction Inc. for the bridge replacement on CSAH 10 (total cost was $457,591.78) – was pulled before the agenda was unanimously approved.
Commissioner Zehnder moved to approve the minutes from the October 21 Houston County Commission meeting, seconded by Commissioner Myhre. The motion was approved.
A motion by Commissioner Myhre to approve the consent agenda, which included acceptance of Pugleasa’s retirement, was seconded by Commissioner Wright and carried unanimously.
At 9:05 a.m., the board held a public hearing to receive input from their constituents regarding a proposal to make the positions of auditor/treasurer and recorder appointed rather than elected. Human Resources Officer Brent Parker provided background information before two Houston County residents, Steve Hartwick of Money Creek Township and Linda Griggs of Yucatan Township, spoke to the board.
Hartwick started off by stating, “What I have a problem with is appointing instead of electing these positions, as it becomes a consolidation of power. I think nationwide we are drifting that way, which makes me unsettled.” He continued, “I believe that voters are capable of deciding based on the credentials of the candidates.” Hartwick also expressed concern that there is some cronyism in the county, and it might enhance that.
Griggs shared similar concerns, emphasizing that the treasurer/auditor and recorder positions should answer to the public, not the board. “If the postions are appointed, you would be eliminating the checks and balances,” she said. “The treasurer should be serving as a financial watchdog, independent from the board or any other county administrators.” Griggs added that the public needs to remain engaged at all levels and voting is one way to accomplish that. She is also concerned about cronyism.
In other business, the board:
- Approved the County Ag Inspector (CAI) Grant Program application and authorized the use of DocuSign on behalf of the county. Jeremy Burt said the program has been around for years, is a two-year grant, and is reimbursable.
- Approved the reappointment of Manager Paul Fruechte to the Crooked Creek Watershed District for a three-year term expiring on November 30, 2028. His current term ends on November 30, 2025.
- Discussed with Brent Parker about starting a search for Public Health and Human Services director. Parker asked for the commissioners’ input. The board will hold a workgroup session on November 12 to review the position.
- Reviewed and approved county payments.
During public comment, Steve Hartwick returned to share his thoughts regarding the shotgun law enacted by the Minnesota Legislature, which will take effect at the beginning of the year. Harwick noted that he has been a deer hunter for decades.
Leave a Reply